Pusher fan on a Kirkham

[steve meltzer]

I was originally going to tackle the heat problem on my car, #174, with a bigger radiator, but after talking with David, I'm not sure there's anything out there that's a big improvement over the one I have. Ergo, I may take out the little (cute) pusher aux fans in the front and put in a serious pusher fan. I currently have a shrouded puller from Cooling Components (CCI 1770). My car runs about 80-90°C on the freeway, but it's a idle that I get Coronary Artery spasm. Under those slow moving conditions, with the aux fans on, the car runs about 95-100°C. I do like the way the original aux fans look, but they're pretty worthless. Any thoughts? The car is for driving, not show, and not track. Thanx s

[ng8264723]

Lincoln Mark VIII fan
There is no substitute

[601HP]

I had the same experiences with just the twin pusher fans, until I mounted a Spal fan on the rear of the radiator. I think it's a 14" diameter unit. It is thermostatically controlled. It has made a huge difference during slower speed driving temperature. The Spal will keep the temps at or below below 85 degrees celcius on a 90 degree F ambient temp day. I don't know how the Spal compares with the CCI unit you now have.

I bought the four small brackets to mount this fan from Kirkham.

I still have the twin pushers in front because they look correct.

David

[steve meltzer]

The CCI unit is mounted on the back of the radiator. What is a Mark VIII? s

[big-boss]

What is wrong with your heat range as inticated? That is what I run. I have the Kirkham set up and 100 percent Iron 427. I have had it over 110 few times never had an issue and that was the worst of the worst 97 degree day in a parade not able to really reve up much for over an hour- lucky to still have a clutch though.

[xlr8or]

Steve here's a link to the info on the Lincoln MkVIII fan setup. I put it in my coupe and it works great. The link will give you part numbers and and where to buy. You get OE quality fan that can cool off a sherman tank and a stand alone wiring harness to keep the load off your main harness.
http://www.ffcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=249813

Scott

[kris-kincaid]

If it spiked up to 110-115 fairly rapidly, I'd be worried. What you're describing sounds ok to me.

[Jamo]

Steve...those temps aren't bad at all for short periods.

I use the Spal and two pushers controlled by an on/off switch. 160 thermo. I turn the fans on when the motor's still around 80 C when I'm going into stop/go, rather than wait for the motor to get warm before a thermo-controlled switch turns them on. I use Water Wetter and water...plus a small bottle of lube/conditioner for the pump.

My motor rarely gets above 95C even in stop/go or just sitting there at idle.

[steve meltzer]

Thanx so much guys. May just get some water wetter and keep an eye on this. I use my fans (both p&p) early and often. thanx

[Tom Kirkham]

Some other areas to look at:
Putting in more initial advance in the engine. Vacuum advance would be a big help.
Leaning out your idle circuit.
making sure the fan is sealed to the radiator
make sure you are not under-driving the water pump.

BTW I have not had much luck with water wetter...

[steve meltzer]

Thomas, thanx for the help. I've given up on the Water Wetter...didn't buy any, as I've always been skeptical about it. Probably bogus.

I tried the 7" WP pulley 2x, but always felt that the smaller 5" one performed better for me.
My shroud is well applied to the radiator, but I'll check the other items. Thanx s

[Jamo]

Steve...I truly don't know what others experience with WW is when they say it doesn't work or why you think it's bogus, but SCCA autocrossers by the thousands have used it for many years to keep coolant off the courses. I can think of nothing more brutal on a cooling system than autocrossing...full bore 1 to 2 minute runs followed by several minutes of idling (especially in Pro Solo), mostly during hot summer months.

But hey...you've got a perceived problem that you're trying to resolve, and I hope you and your cooling system find inner peace.

[steve meltzer]

Dunno about no inner peace, but it has no downside, except the modest cost. Might give it a go, but I must think that it would be best in borderline situations, not with a deficiency in the system. s

[Jamo]

Really...best of luck, but I used the phrase "inner peace" because I think you're chasing a ghost. I don't really think you have a problem with 95-100C temps (200-210F) in stop and go/idle in Houston.

As you know, the pusher fans basically create about the same airflow they block, and a bigger pusher fan will probably do the same thing (more blockage/more created airflow)...a lot of work versus more simple alternatives. You might get more out of comparing your CCI's specs versus a Spal's or the Ford unit's.

As to Water Wetter...make your own choice. My ag clients use it in their farm vehicles (gas and diesel formulas) in the San Joaquin and down in Yuma-Imperial Valley without coolant. Farmers aren't prone to wasting money on bullsh!t.

Best of luck.

[steve meltzer]

Jamo, You might be right about chasing a ghost. It is a borderline deal...maybe I should use the WW and take some Prozac myself! s

[Jamo]

Prozac...the Water Wetter for the human condition.

[steve meltzer]

Well, the water wetter was of no value. Tried it yesterday. Might try some Prozac now. s

[Jamo]

YOU will feel better.

[FUNFER2]

Dry ice tank !

[steve meltzer]

Before purchasing and installing a big pusher fan or a new radiator, I checked the cap for it's ability to hold pressure....not good. I replaced the cap and I believe that has really helped. When I went to check the coolant level, I added nearly 3/4 gallon just to get it about 1/4 the way up in the reservoir! Hopefully, I've solved the problem elegantly and easily. Fingers X'd.
Now I'll go take my Prozac! s